CompactPCI boards from Sun target telecom apps

PALO ALTO, Calif.  Sun Microelectronics has launched a pair of Sparc-based single-board computers for CompactPCI with rear-panel I/O to suit telecom applications: the highly integrated CP1400, based on a 300-MHz UltraSparc IIi; and the highly scalable CP1500, using a 360- or 425-MHz UltraSparc IIi. Designed for com-pliance with NEBS Level 3 standards, they scale from 8 SPECint95 and 10 SPECfp95 for under $2,000 to 17.5 SPECint95 and 19.4 SPECfp95 for less than $4,000.

The boards use the latest versions of the UltraSparc IIi processor, which deliver "over 30 percent more raw performance and reduce power consumption by over 15 percent," according to Jeff Veis, group manager for telco OEM products at Sun. The CP1400 has 256 kbytes of L2 cache, 1 Mbyte of boot flash (expandable to 16 Mbytes) and 64 Mbytes of soldered-down DRAM main memory. It accommodates one or two memory mezzanine cards for a maximum main-memory complement of 832 Mbytes.

The CP1500, in turn, provides 1 Mbyte of L2 cache with a 360-MHz processor and 2 Mbytes with a 425-MHz CPU. It has no soldered DRAM, accommodating one or two memory mezzanines, and it has 4 Mbytes of flash on-board.

The boards have UltraWide SCSI-2, as well as two serial ports, a parallel port and keyboard, mouse and floppy-disk drive ports. The CP1400 has 10/100-Mbit/s Ethernet on board; the CP1500 has dual Ethernets and supports hot swap. Operating systems include Solaris 7, VxWorks and Chorus OS.

In volume quantities, the CP1400 is priced at under $2,000, with deliveries kicking off in May. The 360-MHz CP1500 is to start shipping in June for under $3,000, and the 425-MHz version will ship in July for under $4,000.